Specialized Programs

BUSINESS RESOURCES

The San Diego SBDC provides local small businesses dynamic business development programs. These programs support aspiring entrepreneurs and boost economic growth of established businesses in our community. All of these programs are available at no-cost or at a nominal fee. SBDC industry-experienced instructors and consultants will help your business reach its fullest potential. For more information or to register for any of these programs, contact the SBDC at (619) 482-6391 or email cwiley@swccd.edu

Slingshot

Slingshot Program is designed to position a company for funding. Participating businesses will be equipped with the proper tools and knowledge needed to pitch their companies to a panel comprised of Financiers. The two- to three-month program gives business owners the opportunity to work with Senior Business Advisors who will help them achieve success. For more details Click Here.

Internet Marketing for Small Business Owners

Our complete Internet Marketing program for small business owners include the following 6 courses:

Internet Marketing for Local Businesses
If your business sells to a local community, this workshop is for you. Examples of local businesses are contractors, accountants, florists, lawyers, stylists, retail merchants, restaurant owners, real estate agents, mom and pop shops, chain stores and service professionals among many others. You’ll learn how to get your business visible in Google. You’ll learn cutting edge strategies that top internet marketing consultants use drive business for their clients.

Get Found in Google Maps
For any business that sells to a local community, Google Maps is the most important place to be. It’s on the first page of most results for local search. Get visible here, and you’ll capture more market share. In this workshop, you’ll set up your Google profile page and learn how to optimize it for top visibility.

Internet Marketing for e-Commerce Businesses
If you sell products on your website, this workshop is for you. Whether you sell nationally or internationally, you’ll learn how to build top converting sales pages as well as how to avoid some of the common mistakes that are keeping you from maximizing sales.

Introduction to Google Analytics
A business that doesn’t track data will never achieve its full potential. Never before in the history of business has so much information been made available about your customers’ buying patterns. Google Analytics is a free platform that gives you deep insights into the effectiveness of your web pages. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to read your data and gain valuable information about the activity of your visitors and how to improve sales conversions.

Introduction to Online Advertising
Drive targeted visitors to your sales pages. In this workshop you’ll learn how to create ads that convert. From Google Adwords, Facebook ads, Yelp ads, Linked In to daily deals such as Group on, you’ll learn which platforms are right for your business and which are likely to be a bust. We’ll even set up a few ads, step-by-step and track your performance. We'll also discuss how to design your landing pages to increase sales conversions.

Grow Your Business with Social Media
Facebook is the most popular platform on the Internet. More people use Facebook than Google. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to use social media like Facebook, Linked In, Google Plus, Twitter and Yelp to drive more sales. You’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes and how to get people to share your content. We’ll also discuss how to get more Likes, Pluses, Tweets and Shares. We’ll use Hootesuite to manage all your social media platforms from one location.

Start-Up Series

IF YOU'VE EVER DREAMED OF RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS, NOW'S THE TIME TO MAKE IT REAL! In partnership with Kimco Realty, the SBDC presents this step-by-step guide for starting your business, making money, and achieving your goals! The series will cover all aspects of launching a business from licenses to bookkeeping to marketing to setting up shop.

Week 1: Lay the Foundation - Week 2: Get the Info You Need - Week 3: Cut Through Red Tape - Week 4: Take Care of Operations - Week 5: Deal with Money Issues - Week 6: Open Your Doors. All participants must complete the 6 week series in order to be eligible to meet with a Kimco representative. Qualified applicants will then have an opportunity to be placed into Kimco shopping centers with one year of free rent and additional benefits. Kimco will provide operational and financial support through the critical startup incubation years, to better ensure the success of these first-time business owners.

Meet the Buyer

“Meet the Buyers” Tour is coming to Carlsbad bringing buyers and small business advocates from agencies, large corporations and prime contractors together to help small businesses work with their organizations successfully. Participants will learn what is expected of vendors, what are certifications and how they work, where to find the buyers and opportunities, and how to make an impact marketing their goods and services. These events help small businesses get contracts!